2025 Q2 Impact Report: NC REALTORS® Housing Foundation
Executive Summary
The North Carolina REALTORS® Housing Foundation (NCRHF) continues to make significant strides in addressing housing needs across our state. This mid-year report highlights our community service initiatives, outreach programs, measurable impact, and upcoming events from April through October 2025. Through strategic partnerships, generous donations, and dedicated volunteer efforts, we have distributed over $1.4 million in assistance while expanding our reach to serve more North Carolinians in need.
Hurricane Helene Recovery & Relief Efforts
Comprehensive Response Program
On October 27, 2024, the NCRHF launched our Hurricane Helene Mortgage and Rental Grant Program, demonstrating our commitment to long-term disaster recovery. Thanks to a $1 million contribution from the National Association of REALTORS® REALTOR® Relief Foundation and an additional $250,000 raised through community support, we assisted over 1,250 applicants and dispersed $1,257,908.66 in critical funding.
Ongoing Community Support
The Hendersonville Board of REALTORS® demonstrated exceptional community spirit by hosting a charity golf tournament on May 15, 2025, and donating the proceeds to support our hurricane relief efforts. On July 16, we received their generous $8,000 contribution, which we are directing to the Housing Assistance Corporation for long-term Hurricane Relief efforts. The Housing Assistance Corporation has assessed 140 homes for Hurricane Helene storm repair damage and is currently serving 73 families in various stages of the repair process.
Hurricane Helene Heroes
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our Hurricane Helene Heroes who contributed to our relief efforts:
State and Regional Associations:
- Alabama Association of REALTORS®
- Connecticut Association of REALTORS®
- Georgia REALTOR® Disaster Relief Fund
- Illinois REALTORS®
- Vermont Association of REALTORS®
Local North Carolina Associations:
- Burke County Board of REALTORS®
- Canopy REALTORS® Association.
- Carolina Smokies Association of REALTORS®
- Catawba Valley Association of REALTORS®
- Charlotte Region Commercial Board of REALTORS®
- Durham REALTORS® Association
- Foothills REALTOR® Association
- Hendersonville Board of REALTORS®
- High Country Association of REALTORS®
- Jacksonville Board of REALTORS®
- Johnston County Board of REALTORS®
- Land of the Sky Association of REALTORS®
- Longleaf Pine REALTORS®
- McDowell Board of REALTORS®
- Mid Carolina Regional Association of REALTORS®
- Orange Chatham Association of REALTORS®
- Outer Banks Association of REALTORS®
- Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®
- Winston-Salem Regional Association of REALTORS®
- Wilson Board of REALTORS®
Business Partners:
- A New Dawn Realty
- Carolina Smokies MLS
- Modern Woodman of America Fraternal Operations
- Piedmont Publishers, LLC
- REALTOR® Giving Network
- Triad MLS
- Triad Real Producers
- Triangle MLS
Major Housing Initiatives
Cottages of Idlewild Affordable Housing Project
On June 4, 2024, NCRHF representatives presented the Raleigh Area Land Trust (RALT) with a $150,000 check in support of the Cottages of Idlewild affordable housing project, making NCRHF the largest private donor to the project to date. This innovative development will feature 17 cottage court subdivisions, offering 14 homes for purchase and 3 rental homes for individuals and families earning 50-80% of the area median income.
Upcoming Milestone: Groundbreaking is scheduled for August 25, 2025, marking the beginning of the construction phase.
Enhanced Down Payment Assistance Program
We received a significant $10,000 grant from U.S. Bank on June 2, 2025, which will fund our Down Payment Assistance Grant Program. This initiative provides first-time homebuyers with $1,000 toward their closing costs, making homeownership more accessible across North Carolina.
Important Program Updates:
- REALTORS® no longer need Workforce Housing Certification to apply for grants on behalf of their buyers.
- First-time homebuyers are no longer required to work in specific employment areas to receive NCRHF DPA grants.
Community Outreach & Educational Programs
Home Buyer Education
On May 31, 2025, the Land of the Sky Association of REALTORS® hosted a comprehensive home buyer’s fair. Participants received free credit scores and were connected with financial consultants to discuss their personalized path to homeownership, empowering potential buyers with the knowledge and resources needed to achieve their housing goals.
Military Relocation for Professional Course
On May 15, 2025, NCRHF President Sean Nock welcomed participants of the Military Relocation for Professionals Course. The NCRHF proudly sponsors this essential training program, educating REALTOR® members on how to assist military families during their transition processes.
Emergency Flood Relief Response
Demonstrating our commitment to rapid disaster response, on July 15, 2025, the NCRHF approved a $1,000 contribution to the Durham Regional REALTORS® Association to purchase hygiene items for Durham residents impacted by severe flooding on July 8, 2025.
Grant Programs & Opportunities
Gives Back Grants
On June 11, 2025, the NCRHF approved Gives Back Grants totaling $6,000 for three worthy causes:
- Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® – Four CASA Affordable Housing Properties ($2,000)
- Durham Regional REALTORS® Association – Life Skills Foundation ($2,000)
- Mountain Lakes Board of REALTORS® – City of Murphy ($2,000)
2025 Gives Back Grant Program: Applications are now being accepted for grants up to $2,000. Local associations are encouraged to engage in community outreach activities throughout the year, with all funds required to be utilized by December 31, 2025.
Matching Grant Program
Launched on June 2, 2025, our Matching Grant Program is available to all 43 NC REALTORS® local associations. The NCRHF will match monetary contributions up to $4,000 that local associations donate to housing-related nonprofits. Local associations may apply for two grants annually, including for the same organization.
Signature Events
We R 100 Luncheon – 2025 NC REALTORS® Convention
Online registration launched on May 15, 2025, for our signature We R 100 luncheon, scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Harrah Casino in Cherokee, NC, during the 2025 NC REALTORS® Convention.
Individual tickets: $35 each
Current Table Sponsors:
Platinum Sponsors:
- Sandra Barnhardt – Mid-Carolina Association of REALTORS®
- Sean Nock – North State Bank
Gold Sponsors: (1 remaining opportunity)
- Wendy Harris – Team Harris Real Estate
- Michelle Roberts & Special Guest
- Tim McBrayer – Jim Allen Group at Coldwell Banker HPW
- Danielle Clairmont – Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®
Silver Sponsors:
- Leigh Brown – Patriot Relief
- Beth Hensley – Catawba Valley Association of REALTORS®
- Debbie McFayden – Longleaf Pine REALTORS®
- Amy Hedgecock – Fowler & Fowler REALTORS®
- Kathleen Simmons – Mountain Lakes Board of REALTORS®
Upcoming Events
Topsail Island Assn. of REALTORS® Annual Charity Golf Tournament
The Topsail Island Board of REALTORS® will host their annual golf tournament, generously donating the event proceeds to the NCRHF for our long-term recovery efforts. We deeply appreciate the continued support from our local associations in advancing our mission. Proceeds benefit NCRHF long-term Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
- When: October 23, 2025
- Where: NorthShore Golf Course – Sneads Ferry, NC
- Contact: (910) 329-1406
- $150 – Individual Player or $500 – Team (Captain’s Choice)
Includes range balls and lunch - Sponsorship Opportunities
- Eagle Sponsor – $1,000
- Birdie Sponsor – $500
- Beer Cart – $800
- Hole in One Premium – $750
- Hole in One – Level 1 – $500
- Par Sponsor – $250
- Hole Sponsor – $150
Looking Forward
The North Carolina REALTORS® Housing Foundation remains steadfast in our commitment to addressing housing challenges throughout our state. Through collaborative partnerships, innovative programs, and generous community support, we continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of North Carolinians. We look forward to expanding our impact in the coming quarters and invite all stakeholders to join us in building stronger, more resilient communities.
For more information about our programs or to get involved, please visit our website, or contact the NC REALTORS® Housing Foundation.
The North Carolina REALTORS® Housing Foundation is dedicated to improving housing opportunities and supporting communities across North Carolina through strategic partnerships, grant programs, and disaster relief efforts.